Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 Reservoir Report
Last Updated: December 19, 2025
Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No.
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Summary
4, located in Ashtabula, Ohio, is an earth dam constructed in 1977 for the primary purpose of tailings storage. This private-owned structure has a height of 18 feet and a length of 3400 feet, with a storage capacity of 275 acre-feet. The pond covers a surface area of 14 acres and has a drainage area of 0.02 square miles, discharging into a tributary to Lake Erie.
Despite its significant hazard potential, Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 is in poor condition as of the last assessment in 2017. The dam has been regulated, permitted, and inspected by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, with enforcement measures in place. The dam's emergency action plan status, risk assessment, and management measures are currently unknown, highlighting the need for updated information and potential improvements to ensure the safety and integrity of the structure for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.
With its proximity to Lake Erie and the potential environmental impact in case of a breach, Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4 serves as a critical infrastructure requiring regular maintenance and monitoring. The dam's condition assessment, emergency preparedness, and risk management strategies are essential components to address for safeguarding water resources and mitigating climate-related risks in the area. As efforts continue to enhance the structure's safety and resilience, collaboration between stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and the private owner will be vital in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this important water management facility.
Year Completed |
1977 |
Dam Length |
3400 |
Dam Height |
18 |
River Or Stream |
TRIBUTARY TO LAKE ERIE - OFFSTREAM |
Primary Dam Type |
Earth |
Surface Area |
14 |
Drainage Area |
0.02 |
Nid Storage |
275 |
Hazard Potential |
Significant |
Nid Height |
18 |
Seasonal Comparison
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
Conneaut Creek At Conneaut Oh
|
2170cfs |
Brandy Run Near Girard
|
16cfs |
Grand River Near Painesville Oh
|
1890cfs |
Walnut Creek Upstream Pool
|
57cfs |
Mosquito Creek Near Greene Center Oh
|
298cfs |
Shenango River At Pymatuning Dam
|
189cfs |
Dam Data Reference
Condition Assessment
SatisfactoryNo existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.
Hazard Potential Classification
HighDams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.
Elkem Effluent Treatment Pond No. 4